Our group's meeting room wasn't on the third floor since it served as the second residential area which meant, you guessed it --more stairs. There better not be an activity like hiking in the woods because there was more than enough traveling to be done indoors.

The fourth floor, much like the first one was much different from the second and third floors. It was much more spacious with pristine bright white walls that felt eerily comforting with the matching tiled floor. The walls were glass-paned so that you could see a view of the outdoors from a towering height.

"Looks like some hospital that costs millions just to have more deaths than successful cases," I commented dryly.

"Well...that's one way to look at it," Atlas replied, bounding on ahead and glancing out the window. "Maybe we'll see an eagle or something out here."

"Unlikely," a lyrically melodic voice sounded from behind us. "They don't usually come out this far; only the boring stuff like robins and woodpeckers."

We turned to see an absolute beauty making her way toward us. Her figure was alluring as she sauntered past us, her tawny skin appearing to glow in the sunlight streaks that blessed her skin as they streamed through the window. Her light brown hair was crafted into a long ponytail that bobbed around distractingly as she walked.

My guard immediately went all the way up. I was accustomed to attractive women turning up their siren powers when they saw me in clubs and bars. More often than not they were more interested in the fame and money that came with me, rather than me alone. 

I'd skipped the learning that the hard way part and just categorized every attractive lady as dangerous and gold-diggers. Sure made things much easier that way.

"You a bird watcher?" Atlas asked, seamlessly falling into step with her as she walked by. "I happen to be one myself."

I rolled my eyes. I didn't need to know him more than a few hours to tell that he was lying his ass off, but I had to respect the quick execution. Maybe he really did know information about birds from the National Geographic channels he seemed to only be allowed to watch.

"That didn't know eagles fly out this far?" She pointed out.

"They aren't my specialty is all. I more keep track of our smaller winged friends, they're closer to my heart after all," Atlas replied after a brief pause.

"Oh? Then you would be able to name four types of bird migration, wouldn't you Mr. Ornithologist?" She asked with a mischievous grin as she stopped in front of the first door in the hallway marked Ravens.

Watching Atlas squirm uncomfortably and avoid eye contact with a 5'2 female was bound to be the highlight of my week. Eventually, his frantically searching eyes latched onto me and he gave me a pleading look as if I was the acclaimed ornithologist.

Apparently, his Nat Geo channels didn't cover the basics. I weighed providing assistance or just acting oblivious and decided it'd be more fun to help out.

"Seasonal, altitudinal, latitudinal and irruptive," I recited, walking up to the pair. "Atlas handles the more practical side of our group while I handle the theoretical part."

The girl was clearly stunned, judging by her wide eyes and inability to form words. I guess I didn't fit the description of an animal lover, which was good because I wouldn't exactly describe myself as one.

"We should get going, we're probably late again," I said, cutting her off as she opened her mouth to reply, guiding Atlas forward with a slight push. When we were out of earshot of the girl I looked at Atlas with a shake of my head. "Real smooth, Romeo."

Atlas chuckled. "Thanks, man. How did you even know that crap?"

"I read a lot," I said with a shrug. "And I watched a ton of animal documentaries as a kid. I can't even remember which medium I got that information from but yeah, seems more reliable than your National Geographic."

"I said when the TV's on that's what is on, not that I sit down and watch it," Atlas said with a finger wag.

"Well farm-boy, here's a few words of advice. Don't pretend you're interested in a girl's hobbies unless you actually know about the subject. You'll just end up looking like a fool--unless you have someone dashing and reliable to save you, that is."

Atlas smiled goodnaturedly. "Noted, professor.'

We arrived at a door with Delta marked on it. I let loose a deep sigh, mentally preparing myself to endure this folly. Despite popping another valium, I was starting to sober up a bit too much, and the sinking pit in my gut started to grow.

"You good?" Atlas asked, his face suddenly serious.

I spared him a glance. "Never better, nature really brightens the soul." I pushed open the door without further hesitation.

Just rip that bandage off...

The room was spacious but the space was wasted with the only furniture being in the middle and the rest of the area barren. Six chairs were pulled together in a tight circle in the middle of which the non-late comers occupied four. I recognized Amir sitting at the top on one side and a seat open between him and the all-black clothed beanie girl from earlier. On the opposite side, another chair was available next to an average-looking girl and a small boy with glasses.

Atlas and I exchanged glances before he speed-walked to the second chair before I could even react, leaving me to sit next to the goth girl.  I cursed under my breath, shooting a glare Atlas' way before taking the seat. The girl completely ignored my arrival, which was fine with me.

"I hope these late arrivals don't become a theme, gentlemen," Amir said looking meaningfully at us one after the next.

"Sorry," Atlas offered.

"Still, it's good to see you guys are developing a relationship already." He turned his attention back to everyone in the room. "I introduced myself earlier and I hope everyone was listening, I look forward to not only guiding, but joining each of you on your spiritual journey." I could hardly resist rolling my eyes. Let's go around and do introductions. Include your name and one notable thing about you; maybe a hobby, skill, whatever you wish to share," Atlas announced.

He nodded in the direction of the boy with glasses to start and he stood while fidgeting anxiously with his thumbs. He stood at about 5'6 with close-cropped neat hair that didn't have even a strand loose, thanks to a clear overuse of product.

"Um...m-my name is Thor and...I-I like reading and long walks," the boy said, fiddling with his thumbs all the while.

You'd think someone named Thor wouldn't be scared of his own shadow. Still, despite his obvious social anxiety, I suspected there were certain areas he could be useful in.

"Very good. Nice to meet you, Thor," Amir said, erupting into a small applause as the boy sat back down quickly.

Atlas stood up before Amir could realize he was the only one clapping. His eyes had cleared up enough that he didn't look like someone in the clouds, and the tints of red could pass as normal for someone who didn't know his natural eye color. "Name's Atlas. Until recently I enjoyed walks on the beach while..." he paused, making a smoking motion, "but I guess I'm supposed to find something else to enjoy." His eyes took on a downcast look as he sank back into his chair, as if he was now realizing the camp's evil motive.

"I'm sure we could find you a much better alternative that would be just as fun," Amir commented with a ready smile. "Love the bright red, by the way."

Next was the girl next to Atlas. She sported a short straight bob that made her short hair look attractive. The neatness of her hair certainly didn't fit the drug addict starter pack. She had dark brown eyes and small critter-like features that enhanced her amiable vibe, further aided by the deep sunk dimples on her snow white skin. What I had previously thought to be freckles turned out to be acne on her full cheeks.

"My name is Nellie and I'm an aspiring artist," she said with forced confidence. "I hope our time together is memorable."

"As do I," Atlas remarked with suspiciously chest-level eyes. Nellie was certainly on the bigger side, in both stomach and male attractors, though she wasn't exactly fat.

Amir gave Atlas a meaningful glance before clapping as Nellie sat down. He didn't need whatever psychology degrees he had to guess Amir's thoughts.

"Do I absolutely have to?" Goth girl asked, looking at Amir like he was asking her to jump through the window.

She still wore her beanie with her jet-black dark hair that contained visible streaks of purple poking out. She didn't have fourteen piercings and look like a half-dead methhead like I had expected though. Quite the opposite, in fact. She wore the same black sweater over her thin frame but what made me do a double take as she stood under Amir's slightly annoyed gaze was her face. Through her deadpan features and caramel brown eyes with bags under them, I saw a beauty under the gloomy depths.

Or the potential for beauty anyways. Addicts weren't typically my type.

"My name is Indigo and I believe this interaction and the entire situation to be a waste of time. This entire camp is just designed as an excuse for failing parents and guardians to throw responsibility on other people and hope their charges come back as tamed individuals who stick to societal norms and are easily controlled like mindless marionettes."

Amir wasn't quick to clap this time around, his face a comical portrait of shock.

I did the clapping for him. "Bravo! Maybe you'd like to show just how much free will you have as a self-aware progressive human by escaping the camp and journeying into those woods. Rumor is there are predators out there but nothing that you can't handle, what with your not sticking to societal norms and all."

"You're as pompous as I would expect from a celeb," she replied, her face twisted into a look of disgust.

"Pompous she says, after essentially calling the human race mindless marionettes," I said with a dramatic wave of my hand. I didn't actually disagree, mind you.

"I never said all of the human race," she countered.

"Oh, only some? Well, that changes everything! Because you don't want to listen to mommy and daddy's wishes not to be a drug addict, you're a self-aware being and not a mindless marionette? That's some math you got there."

"That's not what I-"

"Enough!" Amir yelled. "This is a room for healing and healthy discussion, not a debate team practice. Mateo, try not to belittle a person's opinions for your amusement. And Indigo, you'd be glad to know I have no plans to turn you into an automaton. I can't speak for your parents because I haven't met them yet, but what I can say is I don't plan to replace their responsibilities as parents. I'm simply here so to assist in finding and overcoming the problems that make you reject your sober self in favor of various...unhealthy alternatives to alter your self."

"You mean drugs?!" Atlas blurted out.

Amir's face soured like he had just bit into a bare grapefruit. "We don't use that word here. It's considered a bad word in this room."

Atlas put up his hands in mock surrender.

"Interesting to see our sessions will start on the basis of denial for the problem at hand," Indigo commented dryly.

She said some pretty reasonable stuff--for a drug addict.

"Anyway, you're next," Amir said, retaining his smile and choosing to ignore the quip as he glanced at me.

I stood up with a frown, now that Atlas and I were acquainted I was sure everyone knew who I was, making the introduction pointless. "My name is Mateo and recently I've picked up a peculiar hobby. Namely; running down highways in my undies to see if I'm faster than cars. Everyone made a big deal of it and here I am, but I'll tell you a secret..." I leaned in and lowered my voice, "I was just testing the theory that Red Bull gives you wings."

Amir wasn't amused. "Yes, you became quite the star for your recent drunken stunt. I don't expect you're proud of all the blowback that fell on your mother and her career."

I shrugged. "She'll be fine. It was either here or the loony bin to keep me out of her hair, which I doubt there's much difference between there and here, but I do figure it'd be easier to escape from here." I motioned outside the room. "With the lacking civilization and all."

"You don't think this was possibly done out of care for your well-being?" Amir asked.

 "If you want me to start ranting I'm gonna need some wine atleast, just to wet my throat."

"I second that," Atlas said quickly.

"Sit down," Amir said with a deep sigh. "Interesting shirt choice by the way," He added with a raised eyebrow at my 'Anyone got a lighter' tee.

"Thanks," I said as I sat down. "My favorite."

Amir cleared his throat loudly. "I've gathered that a number of you understandably don't want to be here," he said, glancing not-so-subtly in my and Indigo's direction. "And some who are approaching the camp with optimism, which is a welcome sight. I expect that this camp will be more fun than any of you can imagine."

"My imagination is halved when sober, so that isn't saying much," I pointed out. Atlas nodded his agreement.

"If you have to rely on outside help to have faith in your imagination there's a lot of work to be done."

He had a point.

"Tomorrow will be the first of our team games. Judging by the reaction I got from everyone earlier, those drug test results will leave us in the negative, no?"

"Actually, mine might come back clean," Thor said timidly.

"Oh! Look's like atleast one person is starting out right. Unfortunately, the group will still be in the negatives though."

"What do you mean he's in the negatives still? You said negative drug test results earn you ten points." I pointed out agitatedly.

"This system that you've created where everyone needs to pass their tests collectively is a disaster waiting to happen," Indigo grumbled. "I didn't come here to babysit unruly teenagers, I was under the impression that was your job, not mine." 

I realized that she glanced in my direction when saying unruly teenagers. Touche.

"What the lady said," I chimed in. 

"Fear not, I will provide sessions and supervision the entire way but it will be your responsibility to hold each other accountable for the group's success as a whole. Addicts tend to be socially challenged because the majority of their social interactions occur when they're under the influence, and this causes any insecurities they may have to disappear in the moment leading to them appearing more extroverted than they really are. This power disappears when you're not intoxicated and it actually magnifies your insecurities or social challenges when you're unable to replicate it. Sound familiar yet?"

"Actually it does," Thor said in a low tone.

Nellie nodded absentmindedly.

"You got that off Wikipedia?" I asked, earning a snicker from Atlas.

"From personal experience actually." Amir responded, his jovial demeanor faltering for a brief second. "This group system will work against that. I'm not asking you to be Spongebob and Patrick, though that would be very welcomed. I'm asking you to learn to work together and become reliable contributors to the team to achieve your goals."

"Simple enough," Indigo commented sarcastically.

"I think we can do this if we put our heads together," Nellie said, looking at each of us in turn. "We're in the woods, there should be enough distractions anyway."

"Yea. Like bald eagles!" Atlas said with a faraway look.

I scoffed. Seems like he hadn't given up hope.

"That's the spirit. Your first team game is tomorrow, which will give you time to start earning back the lost points," Amir announced. "Exciting right?"

Thor was the only one to respond with a rather unenthusiastic yes.

"Winners will be tracked from all the games and the team with the most wins will have their portraits hung up on the walls for future campers to see," Amir added.

"Fascinating," Indigo said wryly.

"There's a snack bar in the right cabin, currently stacked up with available seating if you guys wish to get to know each other. Bar with no alcoholic beverages," He added quickly, causing Atlas to groan aloud. "Meeting adjourned."

We made a quick escape before he could think of anything else to say. I had to admit, he wasn't that bad for a prison warden. As an actual person? I'd give him a solid five out of ten.

"Psst." I heard someone hiss as I was preparing to head downstairs with Atlas in tow.

I turned to see Nellie waving at us from the door with Thor at her side. The poor guy was too scared to make eye contact with us as we walked over.

"'Sup?" Atlas asked as we reached them.

"I was hoping we could be on the same page when it comes to how we're going to make decisions during the team events. Should we elect a leader?"

"In my experience, operating as a democratic is most efficient. Especially because we don't know what each other is capable of," I commented. Of course, I had no experience of the sort, but they didn't need to know that.

"Yeah, whatever he just said," Atlas said with a bright smile in Nellie's direction.

"Sounds fair to me," Nellie responded.

We all looked to Thor who squirmed uncomfortably under our gaze. He finally broke the growing awkward silence with a nod and quiet words of agreement.

Just then Indigo opened the door and came out of the room. She hadn't made a beeline for the door as we had.

Nellie brightened as she saw her. "Hey-"

"I heard. You talk quite loud." Indigo interrupted with a disdainful glance at her. "I have no interest in either of the options. Simply pull your own weight and we'll be fine." She said, walking past us without a second glance.

"Charming," I muttered.

"Who shit in her lucky charms this morning?" Atlas asked, his eyes following her departure a little too intently.

"It's fine," Nellie said cheerfully. "Atleast it seems she'll work with us when it's time."

That's what she gathered from that? Talk about Alice in Wonderland.

"I'm going to head down to the snack bar and see what they have," Nellie stated. "Anyone care to join?"

She had some accent that I couldn't decipher which caused her to pronounce her words funny. Admittedly, I didn't know much accents at all.

Atlas looked at me with his best version of puppy eyes, motioning with his head at Nellie.

" I'll head back to my room," I said quickly. I had better things to do than be some third wheel in a snack bar that probably wouldn't even have the good sugary stuff. Well, I didn't but you get the point. I had a sneaky suspicion Atlas wouldn't get far in his conquest either.

"S-Sure, I'll join you," Thor announced.

I could see the gears turn in Atlas' head as he glared at the boy, wondering if he was some sort of rival. The poor boy shrunk under the glare with a quizzical expression as if he had no idea what was going on.

A real shocker.

"Well, have fun," I said, quickly making my escape. If I wanted to watch some crappy romance love triangle unravel I would put on one of the fifty generic rom-coms that you could find on the money scam called Netflix.

I immediately hopped into the bed as soon as I entered my new room. It was soft and welcoming and before long I was counting pills in my sleep.

Maybe I could break my hand or something tomorrow and get some painkillers for my troubles.

I don't mean to brag or anything, but sometimes my mid-nap thoughts were Albert Einstein level.